Suggested articles, sometimes including step-by-step procedures, are indicated with orange colored text. You can also submit YOUR Opel TechTips, for consideration by the Editor of the OMC Blitz, to: joinomc@opelclub.com

From mild to wild, OMC Tech Tips can inform you on the wide variety of options available to increase your torque and speed output. Experts explain the need for cylinder head upgrades, in combination with higher-capacity bolt-on parts, as the source for improved Opel power. Others have installed V6 and V8 engines from other vehicles, sometimes with major modifications, for "land-rocket" performance.

How to Order: Reprints of Individual OMC Blitz issues, can be ordered by mail from the OMC Treasurer (3824 Franklin Ave, La Crescenta CA 91214) for $2.00 each (cost includes postage). This offer is subject to availability.

Oct 2004

How to Modify a 1.9 Thermostat (to fit 2.2-2.4 liter cyl. head), 3 pagesPhotos with step-by-step descriptions, on how to custom-machine a fabricated adaptor plate, for installations of larger Opel engines.

June 2004

Modifying a 2.4 liter Engine for a Steel Oil Pan, Dipstick Tube, and Oil Pickup Tube, 2 pages (illustrated)Photographs show how and where to drill, to swap over these GT components, onto the later European high-performance 2.4 liter Opel engine block.

Pertronix Ignitor Electronic Ignition Kit, 3 pagesExtensive discussion of pros and cons of installing the Petronix #1847V ignition points replacement kit, and the need to upgrade the ignition coil and bypass the resistor wire. Additional comments on Bosch condensors, Crane electronic ignition, the durability of Blue Streak ignition points, and to check for a worn-out distributor. (Note: Opelers have noted that a power surge, such as that from jump-starting the battery, blows out the receptor in the Pertronix points replacement unit).

Dec 2001

Economical Performance Upgrades, 1 pageBob L. responds that the primary Opel upgrades are installation of a Weber 32/36 carb and an electronic ignition (Petronix magnetic or Crane optical) system. The next performance level calls for an engine block with high-compression type pistons (9.0:1 or higher), a 38DGAS Weber carb, a ported intake manifold, and a Sprint/FI exhaust manifold with a 2" wide exhaust system. More performance would call for milling the cylinder head .050" and installation of 2.0 Liter Opel valves. Beyond that, is a higher performance camshaft (to .430" lift), additional valve and associated cylinder head porting work.

Cam Timing and Cylinder Head Performance Tips "Cam Tricks"; 3 pagesBlaine S. explains how the camshaft can be mechanically advanced 4 to 7 degrees compared to the crankshaft, by elongating the 3 mounting holes in the camshaft sprocket gear about 1/16 of an inch. This should only be tried on an engine when there is sufficient valve to piston top clearance. Additional camshaft and valve lifter tips from a "racer" perspective include how to change hydraulic lifters to solid and installing nuts on the rocker arm shafts to prevent changes in clearance.

Camshaft, Exhaust Systems, Intake Manifolds and Carburetion, Parasitic Losses and Other Improvements, More Upgrade Notes "Realistic Power Upgrades for the Street; 5 pages(See description, in March 1998, of this article).

Additional Street Motor Performance Tips (Letter & Reply); 3 pagesJoseph S. responds to May 1991 article, with additional information:(1) Racing oil is not suited to street use, as it has no detergents and sludges up.(2) Cast pistons are preferable for routine cold-weather driving (below 40F).(3) Suggests using 9:1 compression ratio pistons for street 1.9 Opel rebuilds.(4) With modifications, a small 4-barrel carb will work on a 1.9 Opel (no install details).(5) Performance is enhaced with a '75 fuel injection system + custom FI electronics.

May 1991

Discussion: 10 Performance Alterations, "Partial Truths & the Street Motor"; 6 pages John M. addresses the following described 'myths':(1) Big multiple carbs will allow my motor to breathe better.(2) If I hog out the ports in the head I'll get lots more power.(3) A long duration cam with overlap will generate lots of power.(4) The vacuum advance mechanism on the distributor wastes power.(5) If a little spark advance is good, lots is better.(6) A set of short tubular headers will increase power.(7) Big fuel jets mean big horsepower.(8) Forged pistons make more power and withstand more punishment.(9) All performance motors use solid lifters.(10) All performance motors need 20W-50 racing oil.John's conclusion here, is that it isn't the addition of one higher performance component that results in more horsepower, but that improvement of all systems associated with the engine need to be done together for more power.

Lightened Flywheel for the 1.9 Engine, 1 page (illustrated)Carl G. provides illustration for dimensions of a machine-shop lightened Opel flywheel (from 23 to 13 to 15 lbs., in 5 hours of shop time), originally from the European GT-Journal of January 1989, as an alternative to the pricey PAECO source for lightened Opel flywheels.

Installing a 6-Cylinder Opel Motor in a GT, 3 pages (illustrated)Translation of an article from the German "GT Journal" about the modifications required to mount a 2.5 Liter 6-cylinder motor from an Opel Commodore B GS into a GT: Mounts, steering, cooling, alternator, etc.

April 1987

Oil Cooler Installation; 1 pageRoger L. suggests using high-pressure hoses (with steel braid and fittings from Earl's) with minimun inside diameter of 1/2 to 5/8 inch, and an oil cooler with 16+ fins per inch and a minimum of 6 rows of tubes. When mounting, arrange so inlet tube (from oil filter) is at bottom, to eliminate air and retained heat from the system.

Feb 1987

Consider Disadvantages of Installing Performance Parts Too; 1 pageNotes that installing a part alone, may not provide additional performance, as it is a compatible set of performance parts that will obatai desired results.